The Compassionate Companion Program of Howard County Hospital provides a comforting presence to lonely or dying patients. Specially trained volunteers can be called in to act as companions to patients, and to relieve family members when they are not able to be present with their loved one.
With the support of our Nursing, Pastoral Care and Volunteer Services departments, our Compassionate Companion volunteers give patients the most precious of human gifts – the warmth and caring of another person.
All volunteers receive volunteer and hospice training, but are not trained to provide any patient care. Volunteers sit at the bedside, providing comfort by playing music, reading, holding a patient’s hand, listening and simply being present.
To request the assistance of a Compassionate Companion, please contact your loved one’s nurse, or the nursing shift supervisor.
This service is provided free of charge and is funded by donations. If you would like to support the Compassionate Companion Program, please contact the Howard Hospital Foundation at (410) 740-7840, or via mail at 5755 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044.